NOTTINGHAM FOREST BLOG: Play like we did against Burnley and fans’ frustration will fade away, says Lee Clarke

STILL UNBEATEN -- Belper United.

Published:10:12Thursday 22 October 2015

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Leaving the City Ground on Tuesday night, the only word that could be remotely plausible to sum up the performance Forest had just put in would be frustrating, writes Reds fan Lee Clarke.

The Reds remain without a win for a period which now stretches to five games although in parts during Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against Burnley there was indeed cause for optimism.

The men in red left everything out on the City Ground turf and I don’t think many people could lament a lack of effort for the reasoning behind only coming away with a point, against a side pushing for automatic promotion.

I was disappointed after the game to see various sections of social media throw captain Henri Lansbury firmly under the bus for his part in the defeat. Indeed, his 75th minute red card did not help proceedings but two things to consider; it was harsh and he didn’t intend to do it.

As captain of the club many fans felt that Lansbury let the team and the fans down. In putting the referee in a decision where he could show him a red card he arguably did, but as I mentioned previously it was somewhat harsh and on another day he may have got away with such a tackle.

Having watched Lansbury play for Forest for over four years, I would imagine the ex-Arsenal man was sat in the dressing room instantly regretting his decision to make such a challenge and one thing is for sure, he didn’t need a builder from Gedling telling him so via Twitter.

Forest dug deep when it looked as though their frailties in front of goal may resurrect to haunt them once again – the Reds have managed just ten goals all season – and I think Jamie Ward was right when he said that sooner or later, someone will get a good hiding at the City Ground.

Ipswich arrive on Trentside on Saturday and after a 3-0 drubbing against Hull City last night, I am not entirely sure they will fancy taking on a Forest side buoyed after narrowly missing out on all three points against such a strong Championship team.

I am usually very vocal about the so-called boo-boys on various social media outlets but I will say one thing, the support inside the City Ground last night was superb.

For 90 minutes the 17,000 or so Forest supporters really got behind the team and when Eric Lichaj smashed in a 73rd minute beauty, the roof was lifted from the stadium.

The celebration that followed wasn’t too bad either!

Once the monkey of not winning at home since August is lifted from the Reds’ back, they must ensure that they go on a run to climb into the top half of the league.

It would be nice to finally secure that victory on Saturday and if Dougie Freedman can get the Reds playing the way he did on Tuesday, I honestly believe the term frustration will fade away into a distant memory.